If you’re keen to explore more of Ireland and head to one of the most beautiful regions of the country, then you’re surely curious about the best things to do in Connemara. This rugged region situated mostly in County Galway to the north of Galway City has been a popular pastoral getaway for locals for quite some time, however, few international visitors tend to stray this way at all.
Many foreign visitors in Ireland tend to spend a few days in Dublin before heading on a road trip of the southern coast of the country, culminating in Galway City. While there is certainly nothing wrong with this Ireland itinerary, it does leave a significant amount of the beautiful Emerald Isle unexplored.
The stunning Connemara Peninsula is among the areas left behind. A wild expanse of land on Ireland’s west coast with its own unique ecosystem, it is truly one of the best places to visit in the entire country.
Imagine dramatic peaks, miles of peat bogs, and white sand beaches so pristine they could be in the Caribbean: all of this and more is on offer in this fantastic corner in Ireland.
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When to Visit Connemara
Like the rest of Ireland, Connemara has some variant weather and even in the height of summer, temperatures can be chilly and rainy. However, there are still some times of the year that are better to visit this gorgeous area of Ireland that are better than others.
Unsurprisingly, winters in Connemara will be the coldest months of the year, with shorter days and low temperatures. Expect a lot of rain and may even some snow, with highs landing somewhere around freezing. This is also the least popular season to visit Connemara and you may find that some restaurants and accommodations might be closed, while others might be discounted.
Conversely, the summer months are the warmest and most popular time to head to Connemara. Though you shouldn’t expect every day to be blessed with brilliant sunshine, the months of July and August do tend to be the warmest and driest with average highs hovering around 19°C (66 °F).
Obviously, autumn and spring temperatures are going to fall in between these extremes and you can also expect plenty of wind and rain.
Because of the inclement weather patterns no matter what season you choose to visit in, you are going to make sure that you bring a good waterproof and windproof jacket. It is also a great idea to make sure that you find a great pair of shoes to keep your feet warm and dry throughout your trip to Ireland.
How to Get Around Connemara
If you want to be able to get off the beaten path and explore Connemara at your own pace, then I would highly recommend renting a car when you’re visiting this region of Ireland. While there are public buses, they don’t go to more remote locations and they can be infrequent which can make it hard to be flexible and get off the beaten tourist path.
If you do opt to rent a car while in Connemara, we recommend using Rentalcars.com to find great prices across many car rental companies.
It can also be worth taking out an excess policy with iCarHireInsurance in order to save on costs that may be imposed by the car hire company.
If you don’t drive, then it is possible to take a day trip to Connemara which can be a good option to make sure that you can see as much of this wonderful area of Ireland as possible.
This tour that departs from Galway includes a guide, transport and allows you to see some of the best things to do in Connemara in one day.
14 Great Things To Do In Connemara, Ireland
The Connemara region of Ireland is located predominantly in County Galway, just north of Galway City. Less than an hour’s drive from the city will see you in the sparsely populated expanse of nature that few tourists take the time to get to know.
1. Drive the Sky Road
The Sky Road is a twenty-kilometre scenic loop located near Connemara’s biggest town of Clifden. The circular road is considered by many to be one of Ireland’s best drives.
On a clear day, the views of the dramatic cliffs, mountains, and seaside scenery are absolutely stunning. Also, despite this being one of the most popular things to do in Connemara, it isn’t nearly as busy as many other tourist attractions on the Emerald Isle such as the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula drive.
There are a few lookout points along the route where you can pull over and gaze at the stunning vistas. And, though winding, the road quality is very good and wide for a rural street.
If you don’t have a car, it is also very much worth walking the Sky Road route and it will arguably be a better experience as you will likely spend more time enjoying the beauty of your surroundings.
2. Explore Clifden
Clifden is the largest town and unofficial capital of the Connemara region. Because of this, it is likely that if you are spending a couple of nights in Connemara you will end up being based in this charming town.
Besides being the jumping-off point for the Sky Road loop, it is worth spending a bit of time exploring Clifden itself.
The town is very picturesque and there are some cute shops and convivial pubs to while away the hours in. Most pubs also have live music in the evenings, so it’s a great place if you’re keen to listen to some traditional Irish folk music.
There are also many fantastic restaurants in Clifden. Mitchell’s is a great option. They serve up fantastic local seafood of great quality in a fairly casual setting.
If the dinner prices are a bit too steep, consider heading here for lunch instead. The menu is extensive and the prices are a bit cheaper than in the evening.
Another great option is Guy’s Bar, which has a relaxed pub setting and an excellent menu featuring local fare.
Besides the great restaurants, cute shops, and neighbourhood pubs, Clifden is also home to the Clifden Castle which is also very much worth a visit if you’re curious about some of the history of Connemara.
3. Clifden Castle
If you’re interested in a little bit of history and fancy exploring a beautiful building, then make sure to head to Clifden Castle, which is, quite understandably, located just outside of the city of Clifden and easily accessible just off the Sky Road.
Constructed in the early 19th Century, the Clifden Castle hasn’t been inhabited since 1935 and today it has fallen to ruin. You can pay a visit to the castle free of charge and it is an interesting insight into the history of Ireland spanning the past two centuries.
4. Dog’s Bay Beach
While Ireland may not be the first destination that springs to mind when you’re looking to head to the beach but don’t be hasty to dismiss it. Dog’s Bay Beach, located only a few kilometres north of the village of Roundstone, is one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in Ireland.
The soft white sand and strikingly blue water will make you feel as if you are in the tropics and it’s only when the chilly temperatures hit you will you remember that you’re actually in Ireland.
There is a car park close to the beach, so the amount of walking to get to the beach is minimal. It is, however, remote enough that you very well might get it all to yourself.
5. Kylemore Castle/Abbey
Ireland has no shortage of castles to visit and the Connemara peninsula is no exception. One of the best castles to visit is Kylemore, which is located only about five kilometres east of the village of Letterfrack.
Originally built in 1868 by a wealthy businessman and politician, it was turned into an abbey in the 1920s and it is still functioning today.
There are also immaculately kept Victorian walled gardens and a restaurant and tearoom. It is a popular attraction among day-trippers from Galway, so if you would like to visit this castle, is it advisable to arrive a bit earlier in the day in order to avoid the tourist crowds.
A full-price entry ticket costs €17 for adults and €13.50 for students with a valid ID.
6. Connemara National Park
No visit to the Connemara Peninsula is complete without heading to one of the region’s main attractions: Connemara National Park.
Located in the northern part of the region between the lively fishing village of Letterfrack and the city of Clifden, this park is one of six national parks in Ireland.
Entry into the national park is free of charge and there is a visitor’s centre where you can grab trail maps (there are plenty of well-marked trails that are accessible for all kinds of fitness levels). There is also a Tea Room where you can warm up with a cuppa or have a bite to eat after exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Part of the park used to be owned by the Kylemore Abbey and another major part of the park was owned by Richard Martin, also known as Humanity Dick, who is well-known for being the founder of what is today called the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
If you want to get a bit active while here, we recommend heading out on the Lower Diamond Hill loop, which is a relatively easy 3km-long circular trail that winds you up one of the hills in the park and provides excellent views. This walk will take about an hour at a leisurely pace.
There are both longer and shorter walks available in the park, as well, and they’re all well-waymarked and maintained.
Whether you’re looking for a fifteen-minute walk along a paved path or a longer and more strenuous trek through the gorgeous flora of the park, there is no doubt that this is one of the best things to do in Connemara.
7. Letterfrack
If you’re looking for a quintessentially beautiful and charming Irish fishing village that is bursting with character and history, then you cannot go wrong with Letterfrack. This vibrant little village has a unique vibe and a colourful setting that is sure to charm all those who visit.
A popular base amongst tourists, Letterfrack has numerous shops to browse, artists’ studios to enjoy and convivial pubs to grab a pint in and relax after a long day of exploring. It is also a great place to visit if you’re interested in seeing some great live music.
Several pubs and venues have traditional Irish music most nights and it can be a great alternative destination if you’re looking for a place to stay that is a bit quieter than lively Clifden.
8. Inishbofin Island
If you want to go somewhere unique and interesting, then one of the best places to visit in Connemara is the lovely and rugged Inishbofin Island.
Located about 10 kilometres west of the fishing village of Cleggan, you can reach this island via a 30-minute ferry from Cleggan. Home to around 200 people, Inishbofin is also referred to as “the island of the white cow.”
The scenery on this island is absolutely stunning and there are many walking trails that you can take to get the best views of the island, the Atlantic Ocean and the mainland to the east. There are lots of unique flora and fauna to take in along with some historic sites and ruins to see, as well.
Because of its far-flung nature, Inishbofin isn’t explored too much by tourists and it can be a great destination to head to if you’re looking to get a little bit off the beaten path in Connemara.
9. Cong
Located in the eastern part of the Connemara region in County Mayo is the charming village of Cong, which is most notable as the filming location of the 1952 movie The Quiet Man.
Though this film was released over seventy years ago, the town is still drawing fans of the John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara movie to this day.
There is a statue depicting a scene from the movie, some souvenir shops dedicated to paraphernalia and you can even walk to the famous “Quiet Man Bridge” and recreate scenes from the movie for yourself.
The village itself is very charming and picturesque and if you’re a fan of Hollywood’s Golden Age then a visit to Cong is a must.
10. Killary Fjord
Located in the northern part of the Connemara region at the border of County Galway and County Mayo lies Ireland’s only glacier fjord – the Killary Fjord. This natural site is absolutely stunning and simply driving along the Killary Fjord is one of the best things to do in the region.
This area is where a lot of the region’s top seafood hails from (you will see Killary mussels on a number of restaurant menus) but the area itself is incredibly dramatic aside from this.
If you’re short on time, then make sure to take a drive around the fjord or even visit the charming village of Leenane on the coast of the fjord.
And if you’re keen to drive just a bit further, you could also pay a visit to Aasleagh Falls which, though not technically located in Connemara, are beautiful and worth a stop.
Those who have the time, then consider heading out on the water and taking one of the many boat tours along Killary Fjord to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.
11. Visit an Oyster Farm
Ireland is famous for its fantastic oysters and there is a large industry for farming oysters right in Connemara. If you’re interested in sampling fresh, local seafood and learning more about oyster farming, then consider visiting one of the region’s oyster farms!
DK Connemara Oysters located outside of Letterfrack offers group tours for €35 per person and includes plenty of oyster samples, as well! They also have private tour options available
12. Omey Island
One of our favourite things to do in Connemara is to pay a visit to the lovely Omey Island. While the island itself isn’t necessarily unique, how you access it is. This is because Omey is only accessible at low tide, when you can walk (or drive) across the beach and to the island.
You can find tide timetables online or posted at the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point car park to know when you can access the island. We recommend parking on the mainland and strolling across the beach because it is strikingly beautiful and quite a unique experience.
As you stroll, you can enjoy the white sand and crystal clear waters of the Irish Atlantic. There are also tidal pools to peer into and see if you can spot any sea creatures or interesting wildlife. The island itself is also charming and nice to walk around.
13. Visit the Connemara Smokehouse
Ireland hasn’t particularly been known for its cuisine but that, however, is quickly changing. As inventive Irish chefs are reclaiming their routes and reimaging traditional Irish cuisine, local produce has flourished as a newfound passion for locally sourced food has been encouraged.
One of the best examples of this is the Connemara Smokehouse in Ballyconneely, where some of the top restaurants in Ireland source their smoked fish.
You can visit the factory and purchase freshly cured and smoked fish directly from the source and it is truly some of the best-smoked fish that I have ever tasted.
If you want to taste some traditional Irish produce at its source, then a visit here is one of the top options in the West of Ireland.
14. Roundstone
If you’re tired of beautiful natural scenery (how could you be?) or even if you’re not, spending a bit of time exploring the charming fishing village of Roundstone is never a bad idea.
This is another great place to base yourself while in the region and the town itself has a lovely little pier and a handful of cosy pubs that are great to grab a pint and a bite to eat in.
If you’re looking for a great option, then consider heading to O’Dowd’s. This pub has a great atmosphere and a wonderful menu featuring plenty of fresh, local seafood and other traditional Irish pub fare. They also pour a great pint of Guinness – the perfect way to end a long day of exploring the region!
Where to Stay in Connemara
There are several quaint B&Bs and hotels to choose from located all around the region of Connemara. Staying in the town of Clifden is most popular, however, there are some good options in other areas, as well.
Errisbeg House B&B – This bed and breakfast located in the village of Roundstone is an excellent place to base yourself while exploring the region. They have lovely rooms to choose from, a hospitable host and breakfast available each morning.
Sharamore House B&B – Located in Clifden, this bed and breakfast is a great option if you want to be situated in Connemara’s “capital.” They have clean and comfortable rooms available, a hearty breakfast in the morning and are within walking distance of most things within Clifden.
Private Rental – There are several options in Connemara such as this lovely restored barn on the beach or this traditional cottage located in the beautiful Irish countryside.
Not what you’re looking for? Click here to browse hotels in Connemara!
There are several great Connemara attractions and it is very much worth adding this naturally stunning region to your Ireland itinerary.
Are you planning a visit to Connemara? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
What about the other beautiful half of Connemara?? Don’t forget south Connemara when you come to visit!!
We will have to add it to the list next time we visit! Thanks for the suggestion 🙂